Friday, December 28, 2007

"The kingdom of God is like..."

II. Parables- teach about the kingdom of God- show religious genius- the most prominent form of Jesus’ teaching- surprising, mysterious, hidden

- Jesus wants to show that the kingdom is hidden- “kingdom of God is like…”- uses ambiguous images- reveals to Apostles; keeps hidden from people b/c kingdom is hidden- doesn’t want to make crystal-clear; need faith“let those who have ears hear”- know how to interpret parable

- familiar + unfamiliar- Jesus speaks about the unfamiliar (kingdom) by using familiar images (treasure, pearl, feast, e.g.)- tries to teach people about something they don’t know by using things they do know- meets them on their level and raises them up

- conversion- through some parables, Jesus introduces a new way of thinking- see things as God sees them- workers in the vineyard, e.g.- God’s generosity + mercy- grace is a gift, not something you earn

- kingdom is here, but is also outstanding- present and future- if it’s totally present, Jesus could present it crystal-clear- but it’s still mysterious

- Prodigal Son- Confession / Reconciliation- Pope Benedict XVI- “all I have is yours” (Lk 15:31) – father of prog. son- is equivalent to what Jesus says in his high-priestly prayer to the Father in Jn 17:10- “all I have is yours and all you have is mine”

- mustard seed- faith (individual)- Church

- the unmerciful servant- forgiveness + God’s forgiveness- “forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespassagainst us”- i.e., if we don’t forgive others, then God won’t forgive us

IV. Parables + Eucharist- any speak directly about the Eucharist? No- but, many definitely refer indirectly to it- treasure hidden in the field

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Welcome, good people of St John's! I'm Father Greg, your summer seminarian '05. This site is a forum for St. John's parishioners to ask ANY (appropriate) questions about the Catholic faith, related or unrelated to my posts. All comments have to meet my approval before they are posted. I'm sorry for the approval process and subsequent delays, and I thank you for your patience and understanding. Thanks, and may you know the peace of Christ!